What Do You Know About Painters

Tips for Choosing a House Painter

Not many home improvements are as refreshing as a new layer of paint. A paint job can actually transform your home in an instant! Definitely, the best way to get the best results is always hiring a professional. Painting may look like a simple job, but it’s not. If your home was constructed earlier than 1978, it’s likely covered in lead-based paint, which an expert can take care of.

When hiring a professional house painter, here are some tips to look into:

Written Estimate

Ask your prospective painter for an estimate of the paint job you need. Obviously, he has to come to your home and see the area personally while you discuss your expectations. Be very specific about colors and show paint samples if you have any. If you’re uncertain, ask the painter to help you.

License and Insurance

After finding a few prospects, ask if they are licensed (if applicable in your state) and insured. A license does not guarantee a successful project, but it does raise your chances of having one. Of course, insurance makes sure you’re free from liability should someone accidentally get hurt on the job.

Past Projects and Client References

Researching painters online will likely lead you to lots of pictures of their past projects. But don’t rely on these images. Ask the painter instead to bring you to at least two projects (must be similar to yours) they’ve done no later than three years ago. You need to see how the materials and colors survived the elements over the time.

Checking references is an essential part on finding a good house painter. You’ll want to know the quality of work your prospect is capable of, straight from the mouths of those who have hired him before. If a painter refuses to give references, that’s a sign that you need to find another prospect. Don’t forget to check out online reviews too, especially if the painter was not personally recommended to you.

Contract

The contract with your house painter must be very specific. All the crucial information must be there, such as when the work will start, the estimated completion time, the materials to be used and their individual costs and the payment schedule. Even the paint manufacturer’s name, color, grade, etc. should be mentioned, along with where the paints will be applied and how many coats should be applied. The application of a primer must be specified in the contract too. Finally, the document should state that the painter is responsible for cleaning up after the job is done.